Chapter 71-75

Chapter 71: Being Looked Down Upon

Each grain of rice carried the rich, savory aroma of pork ribs, its light brown hue glistening with a delicate sheen of oil. Just the sight of it was enough to stir one’s appetite.

Clearly, the rice had been steamed together with the pork ribs, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.

With each bite, the plump grains, having fully absorbed the broth, released a medley of flavors——the deep, meaty richness of the ribs, the fresh, herbal undertones of the lotus leaves, and the natural fragrance of the rice itself.

The ribs, however, were not the usual soft, fall-off-the-bone kind that one might expect from a stew. Instead, they retained a slight chewiness, providing a pleasant contrast to the tender, sticky rice. The more one chewed, the more the flavor deepened, making every bite more satisfying than the last.

With such a delicious dish on the table, who cared about how many meals they could eat? Just this one was enough to bring absolute contentment!

Unsurprisingly, the lotus leaf pork ribs– steamed rice was met with unanimous praise at lunch. The number of times people went back for refills was all the proof needed of its success.

Wu Jin, however, took his appreciation to another level. After finishing his portion, he licked the food bowl clean, ensuring not a single drop of flavor remained. Yet, even after that, he wasn’t satisfied. He pawed at Xia Mingyue’s instep, then scratched at the empty bowl with his claws, his eyes full of longing——demanding more.

But Xia Mingyue, concerned that too much seasoning might not be good for Wu Jin, dared not indulge him further. Instead, she found a cold steamed bun and pulled out the meaty bones she had specially set aside for him, offering them as a substitute.

Wu Jin stared at his food bowl, with a quiet snarl.

The steamed buns and bones were tasty, sure——but they weren’t lotus leaf pork ribs-steamed rice!

His frustration only grew. Whining softly, he circled in place, then barked at Xia Mingyue as if trying to awaken her conscience.

Yet, despite his obvious distress, Xia Mingyue remained oblivious to his plight.

Wu Jin, unwilling to give up, pointed his nose toward the pot, then toward his own clay bowl. He repeated the motion a few times before spinning around again, his expression so desperate that he looked like he was on the verge of speaking human language!

Jiang Zhuguo, watching from the side, was puzzled. "What’s wrong with Wu Jin?"

Xia Mingyue shook her head, equally confused. "I have no idea. This meat bone is his favorite. I even got an extra-large one today from Brother Hong just for him. Why is he suddenly so picky?"

"I saw him staring at the pot earlier," Jiang Zhuguo mused. "Maybe he thinks that since our food comes from the pot, his food should, too?"

Chuckling, she picked up Wu Jin’s clay bowl and walked into the kitchen.

Holding the empty bowl in one hand, she shook it in front of the steaming pot. Then, with the other hand, she grabbed a spatula and clanged it against the inside of the pot, pretending to scoop something up. Finally, she placed the bowl back in front of Wu Jin and said with a grin, "There, it’s freshly made. Eat up."

Wu Jin stared at his food bowl.

The last time he was this speechless was——well..., the last time.

Did they really think he was that dumb?

What an insult to his intelligence!

His tail drooped, and his ears flattened in disappointment. No longer interested in begging for more steamed rice, he sulked off to the side, pointedly ignoring the steamed bun and meat bones in his bowl.

However, this hunger strike of his lasted only until late afternoon.

Because as the sun dipped lower in the sky, the lingering scent of those very meat bones became impossible to resist.

Ambition was one thing——but hunger was another.

What was dignity compared to delicious food?

By dinnertime, when Xia Mingyue noticed the earthenware pot had been licked spotless and Wu Jin was still gnawing on a bone that had long since been stripped of meat, she couldn't help but smile.

'I knew it. There’s no way a dog would willingly pass up good food. He probably wasn’t that hungry at noon....'

Three days after....

With the housework finally completed, Xia Mingyue turned her attention to the finishing touches on the house.

Liu Caisheng and three others, mixed the remaining quicklime and loess into mud, and helped plaster the base of the house’s outer walls.

There were a few leftover blue bricks, but not enough to return to the kiln. Seeing this, Liu Caisheng suggested an alternative.

"Normally, people can’t return purchased bricks, but since we frequently work with the kiln owners, they might be willing to make an exception," he explained.

Xia Mingyue, however, had another idea. "Rather than returning them, let’s use the extras to build a small fence around this vacant lot."

Now that the courtyard walls were complete and the house looked presentable, she wanted to loosen the soil in the southeast corner and plant some radishes and cabbages. By next summer, she could grow cucumbers and beans——both convenient for picking and adding vibrant greenery to the space.

By burying the bricks diagonally in the soil, they could serve as a makeshift barrier, helping to retain moisture and protect the plants.

"That works," Liu Caisheng agreed, packing up his tools and loading them onto a flatbed cart.

Before leaving, the workers turned to Xia Mingyue with gratitude.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Madam Xia," one of them said.

"We ate more meat these past few days than we do in an entire year at home," another added with a laugh. "If we worked here any longer, we’d probably gain weight."

Xia Mingyue smiled. "You’re welcome. You all did a meticulous job——I should be the one thanking you."

After all, the same work done roughly versus carefully could yield vastly different results. She had observed their efforts closely, and even Wu Jin’s little nest had been built with care. With craftsmanship like this, she had no doubt the house would be sturdy and durable.

The workers, somewhat embarrassed by the praise, waved it off. "It was nothing. With meals this good, how could we not work hard?"

"If you ever need more work done, just call on us," Liu Caisheng assured her.

"Of course," Xia Mingyue agreed, sending them off with a nod.

Once the workers departed, she and Jiang Zhuguo set about tidying the new house.

Liu Caisheng and his companions had been diligent to the very end, sweeping up after themselves, dusting the kangs, and even pasting fresh window paper.

With only a bit of organizing left to do, all that remained was to put away Jiang Zhuguo’s bedding and clothes.

As she looked around, Xia Mingyue made a note. "The only thing missing now is a proper storage chest for your clothes. I’ll buy one later."

But buying one right away wasn’t an option. The house’s construction had drained most of her savings. She still owed Butcher Hong for some meat, the grain shop for flour, and had even borrowed two taels of silver from Sister Lu to cover recent expenses.

She was truly short on money.

Jiang Zhuguo, aware of her financial situation, quickly interjected, "There’s no rush, Sister Xia. I don’t have many clothes, and if I fold them neatly and place them by the bedside, it’ll be just as tidy."

A chest wasn’t cheap, and she couldn’t bear to let her spend more than necessary.

Understanding her thoughts, Xia Mingyue simply smiled and said nothing more.

Life went on, and with money tight, she made a small adjustment——slightly increasing the portions of food she prepared daily, ensuring there would always be a little extra to sell.

With that, business continued as usual.

__________________________

Chapter 72: Inquiry

With the increase in production, it was inevitable that the workload would also grow.

Xia Mingyue felt a little uneasy about taking on more responsibilities without receiving an extra reward, but Sister Lu and Jiang Zhuguo didn’t mind at all. In fact, they seemed quite pleased with the situation.

For Sister Lu, nothing was more enjoyable than the feeling of making money——busyness was simply a sign of success.

As for Jiang Zhuguo, her happiness stemmed from a different reason: she genuinely wanted Xia Mingyue to earn more as quickly as possible.

'Sister Xia is a good person,' she often thought. And good people should be blessed with prosperity, longevity, and wealth.

As summer reached its peak and the dog days settled in, the scorching heat took its toll on people's appetites. Meals that were once satisfying now felt heavy, and families found themselves eating less and less.

For households with elderly family members and young children, ensuring everyone ate enough became a challenge. Wives and mothers racked their brains for ways to make meals more enticing.

Of course, not everyone could master the art of cooking overnight, but they could certainly buy delicious food from elsewhere.

And that’s where Xia Ji’s stall came in.

Cold noodles, jelly, liangpi, and now——an enticing new chilled dish.

The cold dish was a colorful assortment of shredded tofu, crisp mung bean sprouts, crunchy cucumbers, thinly sliced carrots, tender bean curd sticks, fried peanuts, and shredded black fungus. It was topped with fragrant minced garlic, chopped green onions, white sesame seeds, and a few finely chopped red chilies. The final touch——a generous drizzle of hot oil——was followed by a balance of soy sauce, salt, and sugar.

Once mixed, the dish was served in a large bowl, available at ten cents per pound. Customers could buy as much or as little as they pleased.

Each bite delivered a burst of flavors——refreshing, savory, and slightly spicy——making it both delicious and incredibly appetizing. Unlike heavier, greasy dishes, this cold dish was light yet satisfying, perfect for a hot summer day.

And best of all, it was affordable.

Those with better financial standing bought one or two pounds to enjoy heartily, savoring the meal without feeling guilty about the cost. For families with tighter budgets, even 150 grams of this dish——paired with simple home-cooked vegetables——was enough to invigorate the entire household’s appetite.

However, due to the hot weather, the dish couldn’t be stored for long periods.

Xia Ji’s stall was already bustling with business, so this cold dish wasn’t a primary focus of production. Each morning, only a single batch was prepared. Once it was sold out, there would be no more for the day.

As a result, many people eagerly watched Xia Ji’s stall, waiting for the moment the cold dish was ready.

For those who arrived too late and missed out, the disappointment was real. With no cold dish left, they had no choice but to settle for cold noodles or jelly.

At first, they treated these dishes as simple side items. But the more they ate, the more their home-cooked meals seemed bland in comparison. Before long, they found themselves craving Xia Ji’s food daily.

Under the relentless summer sun, Xia Ji’s business reached new heights.

The growing success of the food stall also had a positive impact on Jiang Erniu’s shop. His business flourished, gaining traction far beyond its initial days.

But with success came attention——both the good and the bad.

Some envious onlookers had considered stirring trouble. However, word had spread far and wide about Wu Xiong’s public apology to Madam Xia at Xia Ji’s stall. Wu Xiong himself had made it clear: anyone who dared to mess with Xia Ji would face serious consequences.

Although Jiang Erniu’s establishment was technically a branch, it bore Xia Ji's name on it and sold the same food. Messing with it meant taking on Xia Ji as a whole.

This reputation alone was enough to deter troublemakers.

However, while some gave up on their ill-intended schemes, others saw an opportunity.

If Jiang Erniu’s food stall was a branch of Xia Ji, did that mean others could open their own Xia Ji branches as well?

Curious individuals began frequenting Jiang Erniu’s stall, eager to gather information.

One such man was Ding Quan.

Short and stocky, with a square face and an energetic demeanor, he devoured his cold noodles with enthusiasm, alternating bites with a scallion-meat pancake.

Between mouthfuls, he praised the food repeatedly.

“The food here is incredible! I’ve tried every food stall on North Street, and nothing compares to this. Boss Jiang, your cooking skills are truly exceptional!”

Jiang Erniu let out a hearty laugh. “Oh, it’s not my cooking skills you should praise. Have you noticed the sign hanging above my stall? It says Xia Ji. These dishes were created by Madam Xia, who runs the original Xia Ji stall on West Street. I simply franchised her business and gained the right to sell her food.”

Ding Quan’s eyes twinkled with interest. “Ah, so that's a franchise?” He chuckled. “That’s a rare and interesting concept.”

He leaned in slightly. “Tell me, if Xia Ji’s business is thriving and Madam Xia’s food is this popular, why hasn’t she allowed more people to franchise as well? She could be making even more money, you know.”

Jiang Erniu shrugged. “I can’t say. But, that’s up to Madam Xia herself.”

Ding Quan wasn’t satisfied with that answer. He pressed on. “But in your opinion, do you think she’d be open to more franchises?”

Jiang Erniu stroked his chin thoughtfully before shaking his head. “I really don’t know. If you’re curious, you should ask Madam Xia directly.”

After all, Xia Mingyue was a decisive person. If she had an answer, she’d give it straight.

"That's fine." Ding Quan nodded. He pondered this for a moment before nodding. “Alright. That sounds reasonable.”

Rather than wasting time speculating, he might as well go and ask her himself.

With that, he polished off the rest of his cold noodles, took note of the directions Jiang Erniu provided, and set off toward West Street.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t familiar with the area. Having spent most of his life in the South Street, navigating North and West Streets proved to be a challenge. By the time he finally found the stall with the Xia Ji sign on it, it had already closed for the day.

Not one to give up easily, he decided to ask around about Madam Xia’s home.

After a few inquiries, he learned that she lived in Xinghua Lane.

Excited, he followed the directions given to him, but ended up missing the entrance entirely.

“Excuse me, is this Xinghua Lane?” He asked a passerby.

The man, Zhang Laifu, glanced at him and chuckled. “You just walked right past it. Turn around and head back.”

“Oh, thank you, young man!” Ding Quan said, bowing gratefully.

As Zhang Laifu checked on the steamed buns he was cooking, he couldn’t help but ask, “Who are you looking for in Xinghua Lane?”

“Madam Xia,” Ding Quan answered honestly. “I heard she lives there, so I came looking for her home.”

A clerk from a nearby liquor store chimed in, “Go down the alley, and you’ll see a newly built gatehouse with a courtyard wall. That’s Madam Xia’s place.”

Ding Quan beamed. “Thank you! I really appreciate it.”

With renewed enthusiasm, he turned back toward Xinghua Lane, determined to find the house with the newly built gate.

Little did he know, he was about to have a very interesting conversation with Madam Xia herself.

__________________________

Chapter 73: Calculation

As Ding Quan’s figure disappeared down the street, Zhang Laifu furrowed his brows, muttering to himself, “Why are so many people looking for Madam Xia these days?”

Over the past few days, no fewer than seven or eight people had approached him, asking for directions to Xia Mingyue’s home.

The waiter standing nearby, having overheard Zhang Laifu’s grumble, chimed in, “I chatted a bit with one of them. He said that since Madam Xia’s Xia Ji stall was thriving, he wanted to discuss business with her. Specifically, he was interested in whether she allowed franchises.”

“Franchises?” Zhang Laifu repeated, savoring the word as if tasting something unfamiliar yet intriguing.

Now that he thought about it, Jiang Erniu’s food stall on North Street also bore the Xia Ji name, meaning it had to be part of Xia Mingyue’s expanding business.

And ever since Jiang Erniu had joined Xia Ji, his business had been booming.

That kind of success was enough to make anyone envious.

No wonder someone had once tried to stir up trouble for Xia Mingyue—at first, Jiang Erniu had seemed hostile toward her, full of bluster and aggression. But in the blink of an eye, his attitude had shifted. Instead of being confrontational, he had admitted his mistakes, and within just two days, he had begun working with Xia Mingyue.

So, that was his game.

Jiang Erniu had been trying to curry favor with Madam Xia all along.

And it had worked brilliantly.

Perhaps..., Jiang Erniu had betrayed him to get ahead?

Had Jiang Erniu secretly revealed all the disparaging remarks that he made about Xia Ji and Xia Mingyue, positioning himself as someone trustworthy in her eyes?

That sneaky, two-faced scoundrel!

Zhang Laifu clenched his jaw, his teeth grinding together in frustration. He had been completely fooled by Jiang Erniu’s seemingly honest and straightforward demeanor!

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became.

Meanwhile, Ding Quan had followed the waiter's directions and arrived at Xia Mingyue’s home.

However, upon his arrival, he realized he wasn’t the only visitor.

In the shaded area near the entrance of the main hall, Xia Mingyue was already speaking with someone. Nearby, beneath the sprawling apricot tree by the gate, two men sat at a square table, sipping tea and waiting.

Before Ding Quan could announce himself, Jiang Zhuguo noticed him approaching and asked, “Are you here to discuss franchising?”

“That’s right.” Ding Quan nodded without hesitation.

“Please wait here for a moment,” Jiang Zhuguo said, guiding him to an empty seat at the square table. She then poured a bowl of tea and set it in front of him.

“Thank you,” Ding Quan said politely before sitting down.

As soon as Jiang Zhuguo left, the other two men at the table shot him subtle but unmistakable glances of hostility.

Jinqiu County wasn’t large. Even if Xia Ji were to expand, there was a limit to how many franchises could exist in such a confined area. The demand for these limited spots was high——too many people vying for too few opportunities.

And when competition was fierce, people became rivals.

Ding Quan immediately sensed their guarded expressions but chose to respond with a warm smile. “Are you both here to discuss joining Madam Xia as well?”

The lanky man scoffed. “You think we came here just to buy vegetables?”

Ding Quan, still maintaining his friendly tone, asked, “I wonder what your previous occupations were?”

“What does that have to do with you?” The short and stout man snapped. “Trying to pry information out of us so you can twist it in front of Madam Xia? Hoping to make yourself look good while making us look bad? I’ve seen this trick too many times.”

“That’s right.” The lanky man nodded in agreement.

His suspicions ran deep——who smiled so easily at strangers, especially competitors?

There had to be something deceitful behind that friendly facade.

Ding Quan sighed internally. He could argue, but what would be the point? Some people were set in their ways, their minds full of unwarranted suspicions. Instead of replying, he merely retracted his smile, lowered his head, and took a sip of tea.

The tea itself was nothing special, but in the sweltering heat, its coolness was refreshing.

Ding Quan had walked a long way from the North Street, sweating profusely under the scorching sun. His throat was parched, so he finished the tea in one gulp.

The short and stout man sneered. “Drinking tea like a cow.... No manners at all.” He leaned closer to the lanky man and whispered, “Madam Xia is a woman, and women pay attention to the little things. She’ll definitely look down on a brute like him.”

“Obviously,” the latter smirked. “He doesn’t seem like a proper businessman at all.”

He then shifted his gaze toward the man currently speaking with Xia Mingyue. That one seemed timid and hesitant——surely, he wouldn’t succeed either.

“Honestly, people see a profitable business and immediately think they can just waltz in and make money,” the short and stout man continued. “They don’t realize that every trade has its own intricacies. If it were so easy, why haven’t we made a fortune after all these years of small business?”

“Keep your voice down!” The lanky man quickly hushed him. “Don’t let Madam Xia find out that we’re related.”

Given the fierce competition, Xia Mingyue could only pick a few partners.

If they were counted as a single family, their chances would shrink. But if they appeared as two separate entities, their odds of securing a franchise would double.

This was a silent agreement between them.

“I get it, I get it,” the short and stout man nodded eagerly. “When we talk to her later, let’s find chances to compliment each other. That way, Madam Xia will think we’re fair-minded and good business partners.”

“As long as we make a good impression, the rest will be easy,” the lanky man agreed.

At that moment, the man who had been speaking with Xia Mingyue finally stood up. “Thank you for your time, Madam Xia. I’ll think it over carefully and give you an answer soon.”

“Take care,” Xia Mingyue said, standing to see him off.

The man bowed respectfully before striding out of the courtyard.

Seeing his chance, the lanky man immediately stood up and approached Xia Mingyue.

“Madam Xia,” he greeted her with a wide smile.

“Please, have a seat,” she gestured for him to sit across from her.

“Thank you, Madam Xia.” The lanky man sat down, adjusting his posture with practiced ease. “You may not know this, but I used to be in the food business. I understand the industry inside and out, and I have quite a bit of experience.”

Xia Mingyue listened, nodding slightly.

“I’ve long heard that Xia Ji’s food is exceptional, and after trying it myself, I was thoroughly impressed,” he continued. “That’s why I’m interested in joining the franchise.”

Xia Mingyue remained composed as she explained, “The franchise fee is five taels of silver, with an annual management fee of one tael. We supply all the necessary ingredients and provide training. Whenever new dishes are introduced, you’ll have the option to include them based on what works best for your location.”

The lanky man briefly considered it before nodding. “That seems very reasonable. Let’s proceed as you suggested. I’ll return tomorrow to make the payment.”

__________________________

Chapter 74: Experience

"Joining is a two-way choice," Xia Mingyue said calmly, her gaze steady as she addressed the man in front of her. "It is an honor that you wish to join Xia Ji, but we must also evaluate your situation and determine the best location for setting up a food stall before making a final decision."

Over the past few days, many people had come forward expressing their desire to join Xia Ji. Naturally, this meant that careful selection was necessary——choosing the right partners was crucial for long-term success.

A poor choice could lead to endless troubles, and in the end, the little money earned would not be worth the headaches. Hard work, though exhausting, was far better than being entangled in problems that drained both time and energy.

Although Xia Mingyue was eager to improve her financial situation as soon as possible, she remained firm in her principles. "Better to have nothing than to settle for something that is not good enough."

Yet, some people seemed to think she was making too much of a fuss.

'It's just a food stall,' the lanky man thought, his lips twitching in suppressed irritation. Why act like it's some prestigious guild?

Still, he maintained a polite demeanor, suppressing his displeasure. With a smile, he nodded. "Madam Xia is right. I will return in two days. However, there is something I feel I must inform you about."

Xia Mingyue raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What is it?"

The man leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "The short and fat fellow who was waiting with me earlier——I know him well. He lives near my home and also runs a small braised food business. But, Madam Xia, he is not an honest man."

Xia Mingyue frowned slightly but said nothing, waiting for him to continue.

"He cheats on weights," the man said in a hushed tone. "During the New Year, he had braised pig’s head meat that was nearly spoiled, but he still tried to sell it as freshly made. A person like that will not change. If he joins Xia Ji, he will only tarnish your reputation. You should be cautious and not let someone like him ruin your hard work."

Xia Mingyue hadn’t expected to hear such a revelation. Instinctively, she glanced at the short and fat man still waiting nearby. Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she remained composed.

"I see," she replied with a nod, filing the information away for later consideration.

The lanky man smiled, bowed respectfully, and took his leave.

No sooner had he disappeared than the short and fat man hurried over.

Like the man before him, he exchanged pleasantries before inquiring about Xia Ji’s franchise policy.

Xia Mingyue gave him the same general explanation.

"Then I will return in two days," the short and fat man said, stroking his chin. "But, Madam Xia, I must warn you——you should not trust that tall, thin fellow."

"Oh?" Xia Mingyue arched a brow, feigning curiosity. "Why do you say that?"

The man scoffed. "That guy? He’s as slippery as they come. He tells one person one thing and another something completely different. Even with pricing——he charges different people different amounts, depending on how wealthy they look. A man with no integrity in business will only damage Xia Ji’s reputation. You should not let him join, or you’ll regret it."

Xia Mingyue fell silent.

Well, that certainly made things easier.

"Noted," she said with a neutral expression. "Take care."

She made no commitment, and the short and fat man soon left.

As soon as his round figure disappeared through the gate, Jiang Zhuguo walked over, carrying a fresh pot of tea. She set it down and chuckled. "Those two were quite entertaining."

"Indeed." Xia Mingyue picked up her cup and took a slow sip.

Those men had sat together before entering, exchanged glances, and whispered to each other multiple times. They were clearly well-acquainted. Both carried the same distinct scent of marinade, indicating they likely worked together in the braised food business.

And yet, the moment they had the opportunity, they tried to undermine one another.

It was almost amusing. They had probably planned to join forces in acquiring the franchise, but in the end, their greed had led them to betray each other.

"People always think they’re clever," Xia Mingyue mused, rubbing her forehead, "but in the end, they just make fools of themselves."

She had encountered many potential franchisees over the past few days, but the results were far from satisfactory.

Some had unrealistic expectations, thinking that joining Xia Ji would guarantee them an easy fortune. Others assumed the business required nothing more than greeting customers, as if running a food stall was a simple task. Some even believed that after paying the franchise fee, they wouldn’t need to do any actual work and could just collect money effortlessly.

And then there were people like today’s two candidates, who carried ulterior motives and deception in their hearts.

Managing a franchise seemed simple, but in reality, it was a tedious and frustrating process.

For the first time, Xia Mingyue felt sympathy for the franchise managers at her previous life's company.

Sensing her irritation, Jiang Zhuguo offered a reassuring smile. "Sister Xia, there’s one more candidate. Maybe this one will be different."

"I hope so." Though still somewhat disheartened, Xia Mingyue forced herself to remain optimistic. She gestured for the next person to approach.

A middle-aged man stepped forward, his posture straight and his expression sincere.

"Hello, Madam Xia," he greeted with a respectful bow. "My name is Ding Quan. I live in Luoguxiang in the southern part of the city. I used to be a peddler, selling small stools, washboards, and household goods. While browsing Beida Street, I often ate at Boss Jiang’s stall. The food was delicious, so I made some inquiries and found my way here. I would like to ask if Xia Ji is still accepting franchisees."

His voice was warm and steady, carrying none of the slick cunning she had seen in the others.

Xia Mingyue’s interest piqued slightly. "We are, but we are selective," she said.

"And rightfully so," Ding Quan nodded in agreement. "A good partnership must be built on trust and mutual benefit. If a person lacks integrity, it will only lead to trouble later."

Xia Mingyue studied him carefully. "Have you ever run a food business before?"

"No," Ding Quan admitted honestly, "but I have been a peddler for many years, so I understand how small businesses work. I believe I can manage a food stall well."

"Tell me your thoughts," she encouraged with a slight smile.

Ding Quan straightened up. "Selling goods isn’t just about making a one-time sale. It’s about long-term business. First, the product must be of good quality. Second, the price must be fair——customers always compare prices, and if something is too expensive, they won't buy it no matter how good it is. But there's a third factor, and that is——"

He hesitated for dramatic effect.

Xia Mingyue leaned forward slightly. "What is it?"

Ding Quan chuckled, scratching his ear. "It’s about making people feel good. Customers appreciate a warm attitude. Call someone ‘auntie’ if they can be called ‘auntie,’ and ‘sister’ if they can be called ‘sister.’ Compliment their children. Praise their hard work. A kind word makes all the difference."

Xia Mingyue’s lips curled into a small smile. "Well said."

Finally, a candidate worth considering.

She nodded approvingly, already making plans to investigate Ding Quan further. If his background checked out, she might have finally found the right person.

__________________________

Chapter 75: Dezhou Braised Chicken

"You have to be flexible in business. Sometimes, you can't be too fixated on money. Give a little less when necessary, and at times, give a little extra when the situation calls for it. That way, not only will you feel that the things you sell are worth it, but you will also uphold honesty. Customers will recognize your sincerity and want to buy from you again in the future."

Xia Mingyue nodded approvingly, her gaze steady as she considered his words. "Well said."

Ding Quan's confidence swelled at her affirmation. As a peddler, he had encountered countless people and learned valuable lessons from every transaction. His ability to adapt and his careful approach to business showed that he was no ordinary street vendor——he was someone who handled his affairs with meticulous care.

The most crucial thing in any trade, he believed, was attentiveness.

Seeing that Xia Mingyue seemed to agree with his perspective, he continued, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "Running a food business is different from peddling wares. Aside from ensuring the food is delicious and priced fairly, one must also focus on hospitality, diligence, and cleanliness. These things can’t be overlooked."

He let out a small chuckle, rubbing the back of his head. "To be honest, Madam Xia, I used to be a rough man, never too particular about such things. But my wife——she’s a stickler for cleanliness. She used to nag me about every little thing, and over time, I started paying more attention. Now, I understand why she insisted. I believe that with what I’ve learned, I can run this food business well."

Xia Mingyue tapped her fingers against the wooden table thoughtfully. "This food stall will be much different from your peddling business. One person alone cannot handle everything. Will your wife be joining you in this venture?"

"Yes, of course," Ding Quan answered without hesitation. "She used to earn a bit of pocket money washing clothes for others, but that’s not a stable job. If she joins Madam Xia’s food stall, she can lend a hand. Our two children are in their teens now, and they can help out with small tasks too. I think, together, we can manage it well."

"If you ever find yourself too busy, you might consider hiring someone just for washing dishes and collecting plates," Xia Mingyue suggested. "That should be enough to ease the workload."

Ding Quan nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense."

After some further discussion, Xia Mingyue outlined the terms and costs for joining her food business.

Ding Quan listened carefully, then smiled. "That’s no problem. The only concern now is the location for the stall...."

He hesitated slightly before continuing, "To be honest, Madam Xia, ever since I had this idea, I’ve been searching for a good location. I’ve found a few that seem promising, but I need to inspect them more closely."

"That’s wise," Xia Mingyue said.

"I know you’ve been carefully selecting people to work with," Ding Quan added, "so while you decide if I can join Xia Ji, I’ll continue scouting locations. I’ll come back in a few days to discuss it with you again."

"Alright," Xia Mingyue agreed. "Three days from now, we’ll talk again, Brother Ding."

"Three days it is," Ding Quan responded with enthusiasm, clasping his hands together in gratitude.

As he left, his mind raced with thoughts. Xia Mingyue had not outright rejected his request——did that mean she was considering him? If so, he had to act fast. Without hesitation, he quickened his pace, determined to inspect locations, gather prices for tables, chairs, stoves, pots, and utensils, and make sure everything was in place.

Luck always favored those who were prepared. If he wasted time now, even heaven itself wouldn't be able to help him.

Meanwhile, back in the courtyard, Jiang Zhuguo quietly tidied up. She wiped down the benches where the visitors had sat and gathered the tea bowls, carefully boiling them before placing them on a separate shelf. These tea bowls, meant for guests, were never mixed with the ones she and Xia Mingyue used daily.

Xia Mingyue stood by the window, watching Jiang Zhuguo work as she mulled over her decision. "I’ve seen many candidates recently," she murmured to herself, "but Ding Quan seems to be the best among them." She paused. "Still, I need to investigate further."

A business was not built on smooth words alone. Promises and skills had to align with reality.

Understanding the importance of being thorough, she called upon the Zhao brothers—Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu. She assigned them the task of discreetly gathering information about Ding Quan, his family, and his past dealings.

In exchange, she decided to treat them to a special meal.

That evening, Xia Mingyue prepared a dish known for its rich aroma and refined taste——Dezhou Braised Chicken.

This dish was not just about flavor; it required meticulous attention to detail, from appearance to preparation. The ideal choice for the recipe was a small rooster weighing around two pounds or a young hen that had yet to lay eggs.

Since one chicken wouldn’t yield much meat after removing bones and organs, Xia Mingyue selected two——one male, one female.

Slaughtering, bleeding, plucking, and eviscerating the chickens took time. She then soaked them to remove any traces of blood before moving on to the crucial step——shaping.

To create an elegant presentation, she skillfully folded the chickens' wings into the incision at the neck and tucked their feet into the abdominal cavity, making them resemble mandarin ducks playing in the water.

Next, she prepared the sugar glaze. Since honey was scarce in the area, she caramelized white sugar into a thick syrup, evenly coating the chickens' surface to give them a beautiful sheen. Once dried, she fried them in hot oil until the skin turned a golden, appetizing hue.

After that, she placed them into a large pot, submerging them in a simmering broth infused with ginger, salt, soy sauce, star anise, peppercorns, cloves, and cinnamon.

For an hour and a half, the chickens slowly absorbed the flavors of the broth. When she finally lifted the lid, a fragrant steam filled the room. Carefully, she fished the chickens out, ensuring their shape remained intact.

The result was stunning——glossy, golden-brown chickens with a rich aroma that made everyone swallow their drool in anticipation.

Sister Lu, staring in admiration, sighed. "Sister Mingyue, not only are your cooking skills exquisite, but even your presentation is so thoughtful. I’ve never seen a chicken look this beautiful."

The others nodded in agreement, reluctant to pick up their chopsticks and ruin the perfect dish.

Xia Mingyue laughed. "It’s not just about appearance——it tastes even better."

She picked up her chopsticks and deftly dismantled the chicken. The meat, having been stewed to perfection, fell apart easily, sliding off the bone with minimal effort.

Seeing this, everyone eagerly picked up their chopsticks.

The first bite was an explosion of flavors——tender, fragrant, and melt-in-the-mouth. The slightly sweet, crispy skin contrasted beautifully with the rich, savory meat. Unlike typical oily braised dishes, this one was light yet incredibly flavorful.

"This is even better than the braised chicken at Yueran Restaurant," Zhao Dahu exclaimed.

Zhao Erhu nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes, it’s amazing."

Pleased by their enthusiasm, Xia Mingyue tore off two chicken legs and placed them in their bowls. "Eat well. Only when you're full can you work properly for me."

The Zhao brothers looked at the tempting drumsticks, their eyes shining. They nodded eagerly before diving in.

But deep inside, they couldn't shake the feeling——this meal had come at a price.